If you're expecting a juvenile or generic read from this book, then you've come to the wrong place. I strongly believe that this book appeals to people of all ages, both male and female. Jennifer A. Nielsen really took me by surprise with this one, for what seems like a generic plotline has been completely transformed by her deft mind. The first thing that struck me when I started to read this book was the protagonist Sage's amazingly strong voice. Immediately from the first page, his distinct character leaped out and captured me. He easily reads as a man in his twenties despite him being only 15. It's so rare to see such a striking, well-developed, and realistic character that I was almost leaping off of my seat at this point. It was such a joy to read about the extremely clever orphaned rascal who can steal anything and escape notice, who infuriates people with his defiance, but at the next moment wins them over. Even if the other parts of Nielsen's book weren't good, I could forgive her because she wrote Sage so well. Thankfully, though, Sage isn't the only good part of this book. The other characters are also tastefully written. They all seem like real people with back stories, which is a breath of fresh air after being trapped in the generic pits of today's YA fiction for so long. One of the greatest things about the other characters is that they have their own minds. Nobody ever did exactly as they were asked. They always had their own motivations for their actions, their beliefs differed from what they were told to believe, and their loyalty needed to be won. I applaud Nielsen for remembering that real people are not stupid enough to be duped by simple lies, which many authors seem to fail to remember. Other than the characters, the plot was absolutely masterful. Nielson planned out this book with a sharp eye for detail that has my most heartfelt respect. Remember when I said that I almost leaped out of my seat when I read about Sage? Well, I actually DID leap off my seat here. That's how good it is. I could see no plot holes, and everything was connected to each other in a way that I didn't fully comprehend until the very end of the book. The pacing was perfect - neither too fast nor slow - and served to weave together the characterization and plot buildup while at the same time giving sufficient time to develop both aspects. To complement and enhance the delivery of the wonderful characters and plotline, the dialogue was witty, clever, and engaging. Even if I only read the dialogue, I could probably tell which character was talking. For example, this quote perfectly demonstrates Sage's wit and cheekiness: “If [Conner] put us in dresses, we wouldn’t suddenly become women,” I said. “You’re an orphan in a costume, Tobias. Nothing more.” In conclusion, I simply cannot sing enough praises about The False Prince. To say I was completely blindsided by how good it was would be an understatement. Jennifer Nielsen has masterfully delivered amazing characters, a well-crafted plot, and witty dialogue. After the last page, I was left with a sense of awe, giddiness, and an itchiness in my hands that propels me to buy the sequel. You should read this novel as soon as humanly possible.

I just finished reading THE FALSE PRINCE and want to open it at the beginning and start reading it all over again. Not only did this book have me laughing out loud at the very clever Sage, but I learned to love him, too, despite his thievery and terrible attitude. A wonderfully fresh plot and a cast of well-drawn characters kept me turning pages well past when I should have put the book down. My only complaint is now I'm totally pining for book 2.

Every once in awhile, you read a book that completely commands your attention, causing the world to disappear around you as it takes readers away to a land far, far away. The False Prince is one of those novels. I was so lost in its pages that when I reached the conclusion, I was startled to realize that so much time had passed and I'd barely noticed. Jennifer A. Nielsen has written an amazing fantasy novel filled with adventure, danger and intrigue which made it simply impossible for me to put down. The kingdom of Carthya is teetering on the edge of civil war while its enemies surround their borders, waiting for their moment to strike. Unbeknownst to the entire land, the royal family has been murdered and Bevin Connor, a nobleman, has come up with a cunning plan to not only establish peace, but also to further his own ambitions. He has carefully chosen three orphans who resemble Prince Jaron, long believed to have been lost at sea years ago, and after two weeks of testing them, he will select one of the boys to be the false prince. Sage, a thief and one of the orphans Connor takes back to his estate, understands the dangerous waters he's now treading. He may be a smart-mouth and impulsively speak what's on his mind in a show of bravado when it would be better to hold his tongue, but he's actually a much more clever boy than most people give him credit for. I took a shining to Sage right away and even laughed at some of his antics, all the while rooting for him to succeed against the other boys. Jennifer A. Nielsen has a very descriptive writing style that brings her setting and characters to life, yet she still manages to withhold information and leave things unsaid until the time it needs to be crucially revealed. It was a very skillful approach which left me shaking my head in awe because she's left clues, but they're so unnoticeable at first that you don't make the connection right away. And as the story continues to build toward the climax and the stakes are raised ever higher, revelations are made that will leave you gasping in shock. The first novel in The Ascendance Trilogy, Jennifer A. Nielsen's The False Prince is an absolute must-read for fantasy fans! Sage's unpredictable actions will keep you on your toes the entire time you're reading, and by the time you reach the exciting conclusion, you'll be wishing book two was already out in stores! You can also read this review at: http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.ca/2012/05/false-prince-by-jennifer-nielsen.html

This and other reviews can be found on http://readingbetweenclasses.blogspot.com/ Cover Impressions: The cover doesn't stand out as much as I would like. It is simple and clean and I do like the gold crown and lettering on a blue background. The Gist: As an orphan running the streets of Carchar, Sage has learned to depend on his quick wits and quicker mouth to survive. When he finds himself one of four boys bought by a wealthy nobleman with a dastardly plan to gain control of the throne, Sage must use every trick at his disposal to outmaneuver the other boys and convince the kingdom that he is fit to rule. Review: The False Prince is the first book in The Ascendance Trilogy, and when I finished this book I was incredibly thankful that there are more to come while, at the same time, lamenting that I did not have the next installment NOW. This novel manages to invoke the same sense of intrigue and danger that Game of Thrones does, but presents it in a manner that is appropriate for a young audience. At the end I found myself warring contradicting emotions as half of me wanted to finish quickly so that I could find out what happens while the other half wanted to slow down a savor each word. The voice of Sage, hooked me from the very first page. He is clever, witty and self-deprecating. He interjects a wonderful sense humor into the most serious of situations and is able to manipulate the other characters into playing along in his grand master plan. His antics left me laughing, shaking my head or asking "why can you not keep your mouth shut!" (and sometimes all three) in the most wonderful of ways. Sage is the type of character that is impossible not to root for and I truly feel that he will appeal to both male and female readers, a feat that seems difficult to accomplish in most YA novels. The plot unfurls slowly but steadily, with secrets and betrayals around every corner. There was not a single moment when I was bored or wishing for more action. This is one of those books in which seemingly insignificant details will later be revealed as integral to the plot. I adore novels where all the puzzle pieces seem to fall into place, creating a finished piece that is full of detail and leaves the reader reflecting on all of the moments that brought us to this place. The False Prince is easily the best book I have read this year and I am especially excited because this is a book that I can hand both my male and female students knowing that they will return begging for the next in the series. This is a wonderful addition to any classroom library, kid's bookshelf or adult's to-be-read pile. Teaching/Parental Notes: Age: 12 and up Gender: Both - Boys will LOVE this book! Sex: None Violence: Shooting with an arrow, swordplay, stabbing Inappropriate Language: None Substance Abuse: None

The Good Stuff A truly remarkable and epic adventure story Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down - it is just one of those amazing books that readers of all ages will enjoy Most of the Characters are realistic and intriguing - no one dimensional characters in this One of my favorite protagonists to date. I wanted to adopt Sage I loved him so much. He's a smart a** and would totally fit in with my boys and husband The author is a gifted storyteller which to me is far more exceptional than a so called "good writer". She takes you into a world and makes you believe that it is real and that you are part of it -- that is talent my friends I was talking so excitedly about it to Jake, that he actually asked if he could read it -- makes me a happy mommy when he does that Lots of danger, intrigue, red herrings and so much more -- sort of Game of Thrones without the gratuitous nudity and violence (and so far no dragons) You know what I am not doing this book justice, go out and buy it - trust me you will enjoy The Not So Good Stuff It was so engrossing I didn't want to put it down - and hello I am a Mom, I got stuff to do - ok, whose kidding who -- totally ignored the house work so I could finish the book and let Jesse watch 3 episodes of Caillou so I could keep reading (yes I am a bad mommy) These trilogies are killing me -- I have to wait so long in between books and I'm old, the memory isn't what it used to be -- that and I am impatient Favorite Quotes/Passages "Errol's gentle manners were not reflected in his bathing assistance. It surprised me how much dirt came of the second time. While he busied himself with a brush on the bottom of my feet, I looked at my fingernails. "I don't remember them ever being this color," I said then yanked my feet away. "That tickles. Are you finished yet? I don't like having a man help me with my bath." Errol grinned. "Shall I have a women sent in?" I laughed and told Errol I wouldn't need anyone's help for my future baths. "Obviously, Master Connor has a different standard of clean than the orphanage did. Now that I know you want the entire body washed, I'll make the necessary adjustments." "I made a face and thrust my sword at him, but he parried it. "Not bad," Mott said. "But be bolder. Prince Jaron was known for that." "Sounds like he's dead. So whatever boldness was with a sword, it obviously didn't save him." "Don't give up, Sage, and don't give in to him. Please. A lot of us are watching you, and we need to see it's possible to win." Who Should/Shouldn't Read FYI Nieces and Nephews I am getting you all a copy for Christmas Perfect for both young and old readers (10 + as there is some violence but not overly graphic) Male and Female readers will enjoy equally 5 Dewey's I received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review - thanks Nikole, this one was truly spectacular